CONTROLS

After a brief hiatus, the Lighting Controls Podcast is back with a wide-ranging conversation about where the industry stands today. In this episode, we discuss why consistent content matters, where professionals can start learning lighting controls, and why local reps and manufacturers are often the most overlooked educational resources. Read more

Architecture firm billings showed signs of stabilization in February after months of decline, with an AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index® (ABI) score of 49.4—up from 43.8 in January, indicating a slight majority of firms reported declining billings. Inquiries rebounded after a January dip, and while newly signed design contracts continued to decline, the rate of decline slowed significantly. These trends suggest potential stabilization, though global economic uncertainty could disrupt progress. Read more

LEDucation 2026 Conference attendees stand to gain valuable insight in navigating the latest advancements in lighting. Cutting-edge design and research, sustainability initiatives, emerging technologies, codes, and more. This year’s conference will feature 39 educational sessions presented by recognized experts and thought leaders in their fields. Read more

The Current Conditions component increased to 63.8, up from last month, indicating a firmer but still moderate expansionary environment. Forty one percent of respondents reported “better” conditions, 14 percent reported “worse,” and 45 percent indicated conditions were unchanged. Compared to the prior month, the distribution of responses suggested improved momentum, with a larger share of firms reporting gains and fewer reporting deterioration. Read more

The American Institute of Architects (AIA), in collaboration with Deltek and ConstructConnect, has published the latest Architect’s Journey to Specification report, exploring how architects make specification decisions and collaborate with building product manufacturers. Read more

After a brief hiatus, the Lighting Controls Podcast is back with a wide-ranging conversation about where the industry stands today. In this episode, we discuss why consistent content matters, where professionals can start learning lighting controls, and why local reps and manufacturers are often the most overlooked educational resources. We also dive into real-world lessons from the field, including when to test new technology, why lighting control systems require ongoing maintenance, and how “simple” devices can sometimes create complex user experiences. Read more

The AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index® (ABI) dropped to 43.8 in January, down from 47.1 in December, signaling a greater number of firms experienced a decline in billings compared to the previous month. In January, inquiries for new projects dropped for the first time since April 2025, alongside a decline in newly signed design contracts, as client uncertainty persisted and new projects tended to be smaller in scale. Billings decreased across the country, except in the South, where they held steady. Read more

The Current Conditions component declined to 55.6, down sharply from 72.2 in December. Respondents reported that 22 percent experienced “better” conditions, 11 percent reported “worse,” and 67 percent saw conditions remain unchanged. Compared to last month, the distribution of responses reflects a pullback in momentum and greater variability in operating conditions across firms. Overall sentiment remains slightly expansionary, but at a notably weaker level than in December. Read more

Lightovation, the largest residential lighting marketplace in North America, wrapped its January edition with strong buyer turnout and a renewed focus on design, innovation, and education. January’s Lightovation delivered its strongest attendance in multiple years, including a 25% increase in attendance by retail showrooms as well as interior designers, architects, builders, plus kitchen and bath designers and showrooms. Read more